University of Souithampton vice-chancellor Don Nutbeam to retire within two years

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, Professor Don Nutbeam, has today announced he will retire within the next two years.

Professor Nutbeam took up the post of Vice-Chancellor in 2009.

His career has involved senior positions in universities, government, health services and an independent research institute.

The Chair of Council, Dr Gill Rider said: "The timing of the decision provides the University Council with the opportunity to conduct an international search for Don's successor. This search will commence in the coming weeks."

"In the next two years the Vice-Chancellor's priorities will be to lead the implementation of the University's Vision 2020 strategy that was approved by Council in March 2014."

Professor Nutbeam, 59, said: “I am fully focussed on the future success of the University and I will continue to devote myself to pursuing the ambitions expressed in our refreshed Vision 2020 strategy during my remaining tenure."

“I am very proud of what has been achieved by the University community over the past five years, and there are great opportunities for us in the future. I look forward to working with the whole university community in realising this potential in the next two years."